The Union of the Comoros is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa. It consists of three major islands - Grande Comore, Mohéli, and Anjouan - and numerous smaller islands. Its capital and largest city is Moroni, located on Grande Comore.

Comoros has a diverse culture, with influences from African, Arab, and French traditions. Its official languages are Comorian, Arabic, and French. Islam is the dominant religion in the country.

The Comorian economy is largely based on agriculture, with the cultivation of vanilla, cloves, and other spices being major industries. The country also has a growing tourism industry, with visitors attracted to its beautiful beaches and coral reefs.

Comoros faces a number of challenges, including poverty, political instability, and environmental degradation. The country has a history of coups and political unrest, with several changes of government in recent years. It is also vulnerable to natural disasters such as cyclones and earthquakes.

Despite its challenges, Comoros has made progress in recent years, with improvements in areas such as health and education. The government has also taken steps to promote economic development and attract foreign investment.

Comoros is a unique and beautiful island nation with a rich cultural heritage. While it faces challenges, it has made progress in recent years and has the potential to develop its economy and improve the lives of its people.

National holiday
Independence Day, 6 July (1975)

Telephone Code
269

Local Emergency Phone
Local numbers only

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)

Currency (Code)
Comoros francs (KMF)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E

Major Languages
Arabic, French, Shikomoro (a blend of Swahili and Arabic)

Major Religions
Sunni Muslim 98%, other 2%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Mohéli; Fomboni; Anjouan; Grande Comore; Mount Karthala; Moroni

Major Sports
Soccer, basketball, tennis

Cultural Practices
It is considered disrespectful for women to show their shoulders, stomach, lower back, knees, or chest.

Tipping Guidelines
Tips of 10% are appreciated for good service.

Souvenirs
Spices; gold, pearl, and shell jewelry; woven hats and slippers, pottery, wood carvings, baskets

Traditional Cuisine
Comoros Langouste a la Vanille — fresh lobster and newly harvested vanilla beans; other ingredients include butter, olive oil, shallots, white wine, vinegar, vidalia onions, clover sprouts, and spinach

Geography
Area
total: 2,235 sq km
land: 2,235 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)

Natural resources
fish

People and Society
Population
888,378 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava

Languages
Arabic (official), French (official), Shikomoro (official; similar to Swahili) (Comorian)

Religions
Sunni Muslim 98%, other (including Shia Muslim, Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Protestant) 2%

Population growth rate
1.34% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
federal presidential republic

Capital
name: Moroni

Economy
Economic overview
small trade-based island economy; declining remittances; new structural and fiscal reforms; adverse cyclone and COVID-19 impacts; manageable debts; fragile liquidity environment; large foreign direct investment; state-owned enterprises suffering

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$2.653 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$3,200 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
coconuts, cassava, rice, bananas, pulses nes, milk, taro, sweet potatoes, maize, cloves

Industries
fishing, tourism, perfume distillation

Exports
$139.575 million (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
France 32%, India 23%, Germany 10%, Turkey 9%, Madagascar 7% (2019)

Exports - commodities
cloves, essential oils, vacuum flask, vanilla, scrap vessels (2019)

Imports
$407 million (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
China 22%, United Arab Emirates 16%, France 11%, Pakistan 9%, India 6% (2019)

Imports - commodities
rice, chicken products, refined petroleum, cement, cars (2019)